If the Golf Mk6 didn't exist, what would you buy instead ?

**BBP** · 22-05-2010, 09:32 AM

If you had to spend your cash (let's say the figure is about $45K for the sake of this thread) on something else what would it be and why. New and Used.

New

For me, it has to be the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (with the 125Kw 1.4L multi-air).

Gorgeous to look at, apparently quite well made and exciting to drive. Finally an Alfa that you can buy with the head and the heart.

The only other car that tickles my fancy is the current MX-5 - but I owned one of those in 2006 (it is glorious, almost perfect) so I'd opt for the new Alfa.

Used

E46 BMW 330Ci. The 3 series before they stuffed them up with run flats, iDrive and forgettable styling. You'd buy it for the noise of the straight six alone.

Offer this guy $45K and it would be spot on.

2004 BMW 330Ci SPORT E46 MY04.5 Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au

**AznGti** · 22-05-2010, 10:53 AM

Well for me, I was choosing between a second hand lexus IS 250 (MY09) or a demo GTI (both between 40-50), lexus was nice and all but after test driving GTI i could never forget THAT feeling.

So i chose GTI > ALL.

**MariusGT** · 22-05-2010, 11:29 AM

New:

Renault Clio Sport 197. French pocket rocket. N/A 2.0L developing 145kw.... fun fun fun to drive. 3dr though...

Used:

2009 Mini John Cooper Works... CRACKER of a car. anyone who hasn't driven a cooper s or one of these... is missing out! i drove a cooper s in a 3 x Black Cooper S wedding train through the streets of sydney CBD. best fun i have had in years. again - 3door = impractical

Private Used Cars - carsales.com.au

**cameronp** · 22-05-2010, 12:40 PM

New: for $35k, I'd be looking at a Focus XR5. That's what I had before the Golf (until the hail storm a couple of months ago killed it) and I still don't think that there's anything that comes near it for driving fun for that kind of cash. Great 5-cylinder engine noise. You just have to get past the Ford badge, the lack of equipment and interior that lacks any kind of attention to detail or aesthetic feel. Oh, and the fuel consumption's worse than a Commodore.

For $45k, I'd pass on the Clio RS that Marius mentioned because it's just a little bit too small for me. I'd look at the Skoda Octavia RS (does it count here? it's basically a Golf after all). I've never driven one, but the station wagon version really appeals to me for some reason.

Second-hand: Mazda RX-8.

**AdamD** · 22-05-2010, 01:24 PM

New - Right now, I'd probably go with an Octavia RS as well - I've had the opportunity to drive one good and hard, and while there's daylight between it and the GTI in terms of performance and enjoyment, the RS is still an outstanding daily at a great price.

Used - Off the top of my head, I'd look at an E46 M3 manual, a late A4 2.0T quattro, or B6 S4.

**elisiX** · 22-05-2010, 01:30 PM

2008/9 s3.

**MariusGT** · 22-05-2010, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by elisiX

2008/9 s3.

a quick search of 08/09 S3 on carsales gave only 2 results in NSW $60-67k - kind of in a different ballpark to $45k

also - my initial ideas on alternatives were both audi and skoda. seeing as they are both VWgroup cars i tried to think of others...

end of the day there is indeed a lot to choose from out there!!